2 - Parthenia M. Hicks Poet Laureate,~pW N p,~
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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
MEETING DATE: 04/05/10
ITEM NO: >-~
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
March 30, 2010
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG CARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF PARTHENIA M. HICKS AS LOS GATOS
POET LAUREATE, TO SERVE FROM APRIL 5, 2010 -APRIL 4, 2012
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the appointment of Parthenia M. Hicks as Los Gatos Poet Laureate to serve atwo-year term,
from Apri15, 2010 - Apri14, 2012.
BACKGROUND:
In 2009 the Library Board received a recommendation from the Town Council to begin the process for
appointment of a Poet Laureate for the Town of Los Gatos. In January, 2010, the Town Council
approved the process for selecting the Poet Laureate.
T)T~C",T 1~~T(~N~
A panel composed of the Mayor, two members of the Los Gatos Library Board, the Library Director,
and a member of the Arts and Cultural Commission interviewed 10 very talented candidates for the Poet
Laureate appointment. All of the candidates fiilfilled the selection .guidelines and met the criteria
regarding professional activities and achievements.
After deliberation, the panel selected Parthenia M. Hicks as Los Gatos Poet Laureate for 2010-12. Ms.
Hicks is a freelance writer and editor whose work has been published in a range of journals and
newspapers, and in the literature of several non-profit organizations. She has received three Pushcart
Prize nominations, a prestigious American literary prize that honors the best poetry, short fiction and
essays published in little magazines and small presses. She is also the recipient of the Villa Montalvo
Poetry prize, and most recently received the 2007 Robinson Jeffers Tor House Poetry Prize.. Ms. Hicks
is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia.
PREPARED BY: PEGGY CONAWAY
Library Director
Reviewed by: `~~e Assistant Town Manager
Clerk Administrator Finance
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Attorney
ty Development
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND -TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF PARTHENIA M. HICKS AS LOS GATOS
POET LAUREATE; TO SERVE FROM APRIL 5, 2010 -APRIL 4, 2.012
MARCH 3 0, 2010
As Poet Laureate, Ms. Hicks will compose two poems, one in celebration of the groundbreaking for the
new Library building, scheduled for June 21, 2010,. and the second to be delivered at the Grand Opening
of the new Library in late 2011 or early 2012. Ms. Hicks' original poetry will add to the richness of the
celebrations surrounding the creation of the new Los Gatos Public Library.
In addition, Ms. Hicks will serve as an advocate for the appreciation and advancement of the literary arts
in Los Gatos. The appointment of a Poet Laureate demonstrates the community's ongoing commitment
to education and the arts,- and contributes to the Town's literary history and tradition.
CONCLUSION:
The panel tasked with the selection of a Los Gatos Poet Laureate to serve from April 5, 2010 - Apri14,
2012, recommends the appointment of Parthenia M. Hicks.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Is not expected to have a fiscal impact.